Choosing what kind of boxes, movers, or vehicles are all essential parts in making a move. What we don’t usually think about is something as small as packaging tape. This material is what will help keep your personal belongings safe and guarded. Use this guide list of types of packing tape in order to secure your items during a move!
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Tips to Get Started
This small tool could help ease your entire move. You don’t want to worry during the move about whether or not a box or storage container is going to fall apart. This guide will help relieve some stress during your move.
Plan Early
Make sure you are planning your move early. Determining different types of packing tape before you pack is important if you want your move to go smoothly. The farther the move, the stronger you will want your tape to be. Check out The Ultimate List Of Moving And Packing Materials You Need in order to help figure out what you need to tape. Deciding between types of packing tape in advance will help make your moving process go faster.
How Much Do You Need?
If you are planning on moving a short distance, then you probably won’t need a lot of tape. There are singular rolls that you can purchase. If you are planning on moving a long distance, then it would be cheaper and safer to buy different types of packing tape in bulk! Buying in bulk will guarantee you enough security. Having more or excess tape is better than running out and stressing about having to find more!
Factors of Packing Tape
There are more factors to types of packing tape than you would think of. There is width, adhesiveness, temperature, longevity, and ease of use. These factors will help determine what kind of packaging tape would help keep your things sealed during the entire move.
Width
Make sure to consider the weight of a package when choosing the width of packaging tape. It is recommended you use wider packing tape if you are transporting a heavier package. An average moving box will need tape at least 2 inches in width to ensure security. Look through this packing tape guide to help you pick out the best width for your boxes.
Adhesiveness
Finding a stronger tape will prevent your boxes from falling apart. The scotch tape that you use to put two pieces of sheet paper together would not suffice a move. Choose a heavy-duty tape that has a strong adhesive.
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Temperature
A lot of packing tape can not endure extreme heat. Make sure to keep in mind the temperatures your moving boxes will be going through. Finding tape based on the temperature they can withstand will prevent boxes from breaking down. Check out 5 Ways Movers Want You To Prep Your Home For Easy Moving to help you plan early on what kind of boxes you will be moving.
Ease of Use
When packing, you usually want to move fairly quickly. You don’t want to spend all day finding the end on a tape roll. Using different types of packing tape with a dispenser at the end could help you cut tape faster. Something as small as the setup of a roll of tape could help change your entire moving experience. Having ease of use would help avoid frustration.
What to Avoid
Masking Tape
Masking tape does not have a strong adhesive. It would not hold large, heavy moving boxes over a long period of time. Masking tape also cannot withstand higher temperatures. The only thing this tape would be useful for is if you need it for bubble wrap or thin packing paper.
Electrical Tape
A lot of people have electrical tape lying around the house and it may seem convenient to use. Do not use this on moving boxes because it would not last longer than five minutes. The adhesive on electrical tape is weak and it would leave an irritating residue on your boxes.
Duct Tape
Duct tape cannot withstand high heat and temperature changes. It would not have the longevity you need for boxes when moving. Heat breaks down duct tape fairly quickly, which would leave your personal belongings vulnerable.
Recommendations
Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape
This tape is popular for a reason. It comes in bulk for a reasonable price. Your personal belongings will be safe with this type of packing tape. This is a heavy-duty tape that is strong, durable, with solvent-free hot melt adhesive seals.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Packing Tape
This type of packing tape is ultra-thick and very heavy-duty. This packing tape is split and tear-resistant. It is also water and temperature-resistant. This tape is easy to use with the dispenser that is attached to it.
ProTapes Pro 184HD High Tensile Carton Sealing Tape
This packaging tape is 3 inches in width making it durable for heavier boxes. There is an ease in use for it is hand tearable! There is a high-temperature resistance in this tape for longevity in your move!
